Offshore wind licensing framework
Richard Boyd Barrett asks that offshore wind licences not be granted before new foreshore legislation and guidelines are introduced; the Chair redirects the matter to a Topical Issue.
I raised the issue of wind farms with the Minister yesterday, but I have one question about the legislation. The Minister said the legislation would probably be introduced later this year and that there would be guidelines for offshore wind energy farms. I asked the Minister about the guidelines and the new foreshore legislation yesterday. Can the Minister give us an assurance that licences and permissions will not be granted prior to the introduction of that legislation, in order that there is a proper legislative framework to deal with these matters?
The Minister will be aware of the widespread belief, which is justified, that Ireland is a tax haven for multinationals seeking to avoid tax. Yesterday, the G8 leaders made a declaration calling for greater transparency, regulation and so on, and, in particular, action to deal with the use of shell companies by multinationals to avoid corporate tax, which is something they are doing in this country.
